Lilia was very excited when she learned her new friend wanted to have Sven court her, and eagerly began planning. She had already known Sven found the redhead attractive, and the upcoming series of events were a wonderful chance to allow the two to continue to talk.
Janessa was still very nervous about the plan, but she remembered Greta’s words. She knew she couldn’t put her own feelings first when there was a chance to help her people. She was the crown princess, after all…err….the crown prince….
Janessa shook her head slightly and tried to focus her thoughts. After all the time she had spent in the harem, she knew exactly how to act like a lovestruck woman, and Sven was certainly handsome….
Over the next few days Janessa’s confidence seemed to increase immensely. Lilia and Vidar found reasons for Sven to visit the palace—whether to deliver reports on the construction of new military bases along southern coastline, or to help prepare escorts for the princess’ trips out into the city—and each time he would “accidentally” run into Janessa over the course of his duties.
Janessa enjoyed the conversations she shared with Sven, which often stretched for far longer than she realized. Aside from the occasional hunting trip, Janessa had usually been content to stay in the palace, rarely venturing out past the capitol; Sven had been widely traveled due to his father, who had been a high ranking commander before him, and his stories of the different places he had been were fascinating.
At the next ball Janessa found herself in Sven’s arms practically the whole night, the two of them pressed close together as they made their way through the crowd. She’d caught a brief glimpse of Greta giggling and squealing in excitement as a broad shouldered guardsman swept her off her feet and carried her away back towards her room….but then her attention was entirely focused on Sven.
Janessa was careful; she gave Sven details about the devastation the war had caused and how ruthless Antyny was, but she knew she couldn’t make Sven think she was trying to manipulate him. She felt a little bad about it, but she reminded herself again she had to think about her people. She might not be able to lead them militarily, but if she could convince Northfjord to enter the war, that might make all the difference, even if she had to do it as Sven’s beautiful wife.
It was after another one of the balls Lilia had hosted that they kissed. Almost three weeks had passed since they had first met, and while Janessa had flirted with Sven a lot in that time, they had yet to do anything more. But late that night Janessa had worked up her courage…and for the first time since she had escaped Antyny, she kissed a man.
The passionate kiss had turned into them making out for several minutes before, reluctantly, they’d stopped as the sounds of other guests approaching could be heard.
Anya and Greta had been excited about the news of her progress, but Janessa found herself excited for a reason she didn’t even understand. She’d been a woman for so long now….and it felt like her thoughts were changing even more.
Next…..